Postgame Report Card: Kansas 86, Siena 65

By Matt Tait     Nov 18, 2016

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Siena guard Kadeem Smithen (14) falls backward as Kansas guard Frank Mason III (0) is whistled for a charge during the first half, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Quick grades for five aspects of KU’s 86-65 victory over Siena in the home opener Friday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

Offense: B-
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The Jayhawks were so good in transition and really responded to Siena’s threats with some big buckets when they needed them, but again struggled from three-point range (3-of-12) and the free throw line (17-of-26). KU did shoot 57 percent from the floor overall.

Defense: B-
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If you just watched how many times Bill Self rubbed his temples in frustration after watching his team miss an assignment, you might’ve given them an F. But if you looked at Siena’s 37 percent shooting from the floor you’d probably go higher. KU recorded 10 blocks, five coming from Landen Lucas.

Frontcourt: C-
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Carlton Bragg had a great night, but his two running mates (Landen Lucas and Udoka Azubuike) struggled, scoring just 7 points and grabbing 8 rebounds combined.

Backcourt: A-
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There were times when the KU guards were outplayed by Siena guard Marquis Wright. But they always seemed to answer when they needed to, they got a big time game from Lagerald Vick and there were just so many of them.

Bench: B-
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Vick carried the grade for the bench, as Azubuike played just seven minutes and Svi gave Self at least seven headaches.

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Written By Matt Tait

A native of Colorado, Matt moved to Lawrence in 1988 and has been in town ever since. He graduated from Lawrence High in 1996 and the University of Kansas in 2000 with a degree in Journalism. After covering KU sports for the University Daily Kansan and Rivals.com, Matt joined the World Company (and later Ogden Publications) in 2001 and has held several positions with the paper and KUsports.com in the past 20+ years. He became the Journal-World Sports Editor in 2018. Throughout his career, Matt has won several local and national awards from both the Associated Press Sports Editors and the Kansas Press Association. In 2021, he was named the Kansas Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. Matt lives in Lawrence with his wife, Allison, and two daughters, Kate and Molly. When he's not covering KU sports, he likes to spend his time playing basketball and golf, listening to and writing music and traveling the world with friends and family.